Search Results (134)

This study investigated the development of upcycled functional fruit bars based on dates or figs and grape pomace, enriched with a lavender extract obtained using a novel multicomponent natural deep eutectic solvent (NADES). Supplementation with the NADES-based lavender extract significantly increased the total polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity, while improving the retention of total polyphenols during storage by approximately 10.3% in date-based bars and 2.8% in fig-based bars. The NADES-based lavender extract also reduced the percentage of yeast- and mold-positive samples from 60% to 20% in date-based bars after 30 days of storage at 22 °C. After 28 days of storage, supplemented bars showed better preservation of key sensory attributes, including appearance, color, odor, sweetness, bitterness and aftertaste. The stabilizing effects were more pronounced in date-based than in fig-based formulations, highlighting the influence of the food matrix on functional ingredient performance. Overall, the results indicate that NADES-based lavender extract is a promising functional ingredient for improving the physicochemical, sensory, and microbiological stability of upcycled fruit bars, particularly in date-based formulations. Full article

Proanthocyanidins, a new class of potent antioxidants, are recognized for their strong in vivo activity and occur in high abundance in Lycium ruthenicum. Although the extraction of these compounds from this plant has been extensively investigated, their inherent instability imposes stringent demands on the extraction process. Natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) have emerged as attractive alternatives for isolating bioactive constituents from plant materials thanks to their favorable biocompatibility, high extraction efficiency, and environmentally benign nature. Therefore, we have developed an efficient and green NADES-assisted ultrasonic extraction method for recovering proanthocyanidins from Lycium ruthenicum. Among the fourteen NADES formulations screened, the choline chloride–glycerol system (1:5 molar ratio, 30% v/v water) afforded the highest extraction yield. Single-factor experiments, combined with response surface methodology, led to the optimal conditions: solid-to-liquid ratio 1:15 g/mL, ultrasonic power 240 W, temperature 40 °C, and time 30 min. Under these conditions, the proanthocyanidin yield reached 12.19%, markedly outperforming that obtained with conventional methanol extraction. Kinetic analysis indicated that the extraction process conformed to the Logistic model, with coefficients of determination (R²) greater than 0.967 across the entire temperature range studied (20–50 °C). In vitro antioxidant assays further revealed that the extract exhibited significant concentration-dependent scavenging activities against •OH, DPPH•, and ABTS⁺• radicals. The IC₅₀ values of proanthocyanidin extracts for •OH, DPPH•, and ABTS⁺• were 0.029 mg/mL, 0.56 μg/mL, and 0.011 mg/mL, respectively. Overall, these results establish a sustainable NADES-based protocol for the extraction of proanthocyanidins from Lycium ruthenicum, and underscore their promise as natural antioxidants for functional food and pharmaceutical uses. Full article

This study optimized the extraction of polyphenols from Phoenix dactylifera L. kernels by combining hydrated natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) with sonotrode ultrasound-assisted extraction (S-UAE), aiming to obtain a ready-to-use antioxidant and antimicrobial liquid extract. A sequential optimization strategy based on Box–Behnken designs identified the solvent-to-solid ratio as the main extraction driver. The optimal conditions were 55% hydrated NADES, a 5 mL/g solvent-to-solid ratio, 60% amplitude, 170 J/mL specific energy, and an 80% duty cycle. Under these conditions, experimental concentrations reached 309.78 mg/L total polyphenols and 265.81 mg/L flavan-3-ols, the predominant phenolic family. Compared with conventional agitation extraction, optimized S-UAE increased total polyphenols by 65.78%, flavan-3-ols by 68.65%, hydroxycinnamic acids by 48.47%, and flavonols by 35.05%. Antioxidant activity was markedly enhanced, reaching 15.47 and 14.70 mg Trolox eq./L in DPPH and FRAP assays, respectively, representing approximately 16-fold and 9-fold improvements over agitation extraction. The extract also showed antibacterial activity, producing inhibition zones of 16.0 mm against Bacillus sp. and 12.0 mm against Pseudomonas fluorescens, while complete inhibition was achieved against several strains in broth assays. These findings demonstrate that hydrated NADESs coupled with S-UAE is an efficient and scalable green strategy for valorizing date kernels into multifunctional polyphenol-rich food additives. Full article

This review critically analyzes bioactive compounds derived from agro-industrial by-products, including polyphenols, natural pigments, dietary fiber, prebiotics, lipids, proteins, and bioactive peptides. The review examines their chemical characteristics, major agro-industrial sources, and recovery strategies, highlighting both conventional technologies and emerging green technologies, such as ultrasound-assisted extraction, supercritical fluids, and natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs). Across compound classes, common patterns are identified, including the importance of external plant tissues as primary biological reservoirs, as well as a methodological convergence in extraction processes despite the wide chemical diversity of the molecules. Shared challenges related to compound stability, scalability, and process efficiency are also discussed. The results demonstrate that agro-industrial by-products should be understood as complex, integrated matrices rather than isolated sources of individual compounds, thereby supporting the development of unified biorefinery schemes. Unlike previous reviews focused on individual compound classes, this review integrates multiple classes of bioactive compounds, green extraction technologies, analytical characterization strategies, and industrial valorization approaches within a circular biorefinery framework. In conclusion, this review helps bridge the current fragmented understanding of waste valorization and highlights key opportunities for the sustainable development of high-value-added functional ingredients within the framework of the circular economy. Full article

Background/Objectives: The application of green analytical chemistry (GAC) principles is increasingly important in developing sustainable analytical practices for food safety monitoring. Natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) have emerged as green alternatives to conventional organic solvents. This study aimed to develop a sustainable analytical method for determining antibiotic residues in processed meat and frozen poultry products. Methods: A dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (DLLME) procedure based on a NADES composed of anisaldehyde and decanoic acid (3:1, molar ratio) was coupled with UHPLC–MS/MS for the simultaneous determination of macrolides (clarithromycin, erythromycin), sulfonamides (sulfamethoxazole, sulfadimethoxine), and a fluoroquinolone (enrofloxacin) in food samples. Key extraction parameters, including NADES volume, vortex time, centrifugation time, sample amount, and pH, were optimized. The method was validated for linearity, accuracy, precision, and recovery and applied to real samples from the Saudi market. Results: The method showed excellent analytical performance, with good linearity (R² ≥ 0.9982), recoveries of 84.1–99.4%, and RSDs ≤ 5.75%. The target antibiotics were successfully quantified in processed meat and frozen poultry samples, confirming applicability. In addition, a comprehensive evaluation using eight assessment tools confirmed the method’s environmental sustainability, practicality and innovation. Conclusions: The proposed NADES-based DLLME–UHPLC–MS/MS method is a rapid, sensitive, and eco-friendly alternative to conventional techniques for monitoring antibiotic residues in processed meat and poultry, supporting both food safety and GAC principles. Full article

Natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) coupled with ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) were evaluated as an extraction technique for phenolic compounds from Crataegus monogyna leaves and flowers. Nine well-known hydrophilic NADESs were investigated as green extraction media, and their extractability was assessed in terms of major individual compounds, total flavan-3-ols and proanthocyanidins, as well as antioxidant activity. Water and ethanol–water solutions (70% and 50%, v/v) were used as reference solvents. An HPLC method was developed and partially validated for the quantitative determination of key individual components, including chlorogenic acid, hyperoside, vitexin, vitexin-2″-O-rhamnoside, and vitexin 2″-O-(4‴-O-acetyl)-rhamnoside. The subsequent chemometric analysis of the datasets revealed that the NADES systems choline chloride:urea:water (1:1:6) and choline chloride:glucose:water (5:2:25) exhibited pronounced extraction performance for all investigated metabolites, while preserving high antioxidant activity of the extracts. Pearson correlation coefficients and corresponding p-values demonstrated strong and statistically significant relationships among the majority of the investigated parameters: solvents’ physicochemical properties, the yield of phenolic compounds, and the antioxidant activity of the hawthorn extracts. The results highlight the potential of choline chloride based NADESs containing urea or glucose as alternative solvents for the green production of hawthorn-derived ingredients for functional foods, nutraceuticals, and herbal preparations, thereby contributing to the development of scalable, application-oriented extraction technologies. Full article

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) constitute a chemically diverse family of persistent contaminants, the regulation of which is tightening rapidly in Europe and the United States. Granular activated carbon, selective ion exchange, and pressure-driven membranes remove many long-chain PFASs, but their performance is less robust for short-chain and ultrashort species, and all generate concentrated secondary waste streams. Hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents (DESs), including natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs), have emerged as tunable liquid extractants able to concentrate PFASs into small solvent volumes that can be regenerated or coupled to destruction. This perspective differs from existing DES-PFAS reviews by converting qualitative solvent-selection arguments into a decision framework with explicit acceptance gates: broad PFAS affinity, a component-resolved non-migration specification for treated water, viscosity and mass-transfer limits, regenerability targets, and techno-economic/life-cycle benchmarking against incumbent processes. We refine the bifunctional DES design hypothesis by separating validated regimes from unresolved cases, identifying the reliability limits of COSMO-RS, molecular dynamics, and machine-learning screening, and defining tiered reporting requirements for early-stage studies. The central message is that PFAS-extracting DES should no longer be evaluated only by single-compound removal percentages; they must be judged as integrated, closed-loop treatment materials with solvent losses, regeneration stability, destruction compatibility, cost, and environmental impacts that are quantified from the outset. Full article

The present study investigated the use of natural deep eutectic solvents (NaDESs) combined with ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) for the efficient recovery of anthocyanins and antioxidant phenolics from Damask rose (DR). A wide range of environmentally friendly solvents was screened, and choline chloride–propylene glycol (ChCl-PG) was identified as the most effective extraction medium. The extraction conditions were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural network (ANN) models to maximize anthocyanin and phenolic contents, as well as antioxidant activity. Under the optimal parameters, the DR extracts exhibited relatively high levels of bioactive compounds, including total anthocyanin content of 5.2–5.3 mg cyanidin-3-glucoside equivalents g⁻¹ sample, total phenolic content of 63.4–64.2 mg gallic acid equivalents g⁻¹ sample, along with substantial antioxidant potential (DPPH: 68.2–68.8% inhibition, FRAP: 581.6–591.9 μmol Trolox equivalents g⁻¹ sample). Chromatographic analysis of the optimum extract revealed cyanidin as the predominant anthocyanidin in DR, and its stability was further evaluated, revealing improved preservation under dark conditions at lower temperatures over a 15-day storage period. Moreover, the IC₅₀ values confirmed antimicrobial effects against the tested foodborne pathogens. Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of the DR extract remained stable against S. aureus and S. cerevisiae throughout the storage period. Overall, the findings demonstrate that NaDES-UAE is a promising and sustainable approach for obtaining anthocyanin-rich DR extracts with antioxidant and antimicrobial potential. Full article

This study investigated the influence of solvent composition on the extraction efficiency and selectivity of phenolic compounds from the Amazonian fruits açaí (Euterpe oleracea) and bacaba (Oenocarpus bacaba). Six choline chloride-based natural deep eutectic solvents (NaDES), combined with different hydrogen bond donors (glycerol, 1,2-propanediol, citric acid, lactic acid, oxalic acid, and urea), were compared with acidified methanol. Extracts were evaluated for total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant capacity using FRAP, DPPH, and ORAC assays. In açaí, methanol exhibited the highest TPC and reducing capacity, whereas acid-based NaDESs enhanced phenolic recovery in a matrix-dependent manner. In bacaba, choline chloride–citric acid enhanced total phenolic recovery compared to methanol, highlighting matrix-dependent solvent performance. Differences among FRAP, DPPH, and ORAC responses reflected variations in phenolic composition rather than total concentration alone. HPLC-DAD analysis revealed solvent-selective enrichment of anthocyanins, chlorogenic acid, flavan-3-ols, and rutin, particularly with acid-based NaDES formulations. Molecular docking provided complementary mechanistic insight by indicating favorable interactions between major phenolics and polyphenol oxidase. Overall, the results indicate that choline chloride-based NaDESs can function as tunable extraction systems capable of modulating phenolic profiles in a matrix-dependent manner, representing promising alternatives to conventional organic solvents for phenolic recovery from Amazonian fruits. Full article

Reusing waste materials is a sustainable practice to reduce the impact of human activities on the global ecosystem. In particular, agro-industrial waste can be explored as an innovative and green source of beneficial bioactive compounds. For this purpose, seventeen different varieties of wine grape pomace were collected from the Apulia region (Italy) to perform extractions and qualitative–quantitative phenolic profile characterization. To ensure an environmentally friendly extraction process, natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) were used as privileged media. After an initial screening, Merlot (MEA) and Sangiovese (SGA) varieties were then selected for extraction with betaine/lactic acid 1:4 (mol/mol) +40% water (w/w) and choline chloride/ascorbic acid 2:1 (mol/mol) +40% water (w/w). They were further investigated by LC-QTOF-MS for a comprehensive metabolomic evaluation. Betaine-based extracts from both cultivars exhibited higher polyphenol contents than choline chloride-based ones: 175.0 and 161.8 mg/kg compared to 59.6 and 40.4 mg/kg. Qualitative antimicrobial assays confirmed the effectiveness of betaine/lactic acid (MEA) and choline chloride/ascorbic acid (SGA) extracts on B. allii and E. coli, respectively, as well as the NADES themselves, even though it is difficult to discriminate the individual effects. Finally, the evaluation of both antioxidant activity and total polyphenol content led to good results for betaine/lactic acid (2.8 and 3.2 mg TEAC/g DW and 0.92 and 0.93 mg GAE/g DW for SGA and MEA, respectively), while the content of ascorbic acid, used as a component of NADES, substantially influenced the relevant obtained results in choline chloride/ascorbic acid samples. These findings support the potential of combining NADES with polyphenols recovered from grape pomace as a promising approach for further optimization and application-oriented investigation. Full article

Nalca (Gunnera tinctoria Mol.) is traditionally consumed for its edible petioles and valued for medicinal properties associated with its bioactive compounds. In this study, natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) were synthesized and applied for the ultrasound-assisted extraction of phenolic compounds and alkaloids from Nalca leaves. NADES synthesis was confirmed using ¹H NMR, and their physicochemical properties were evaluated to assess their influence on extraction efficiency. The extracts showed total phenolic contents ranging from 6.8 to 142.6 mg GAE/g DW and total alkaloid contents ranging from 0.2 to 3.2 mg OXIE/g DW, depending on solvent composition. Antioxidant activity, evaluated using DPPH and FRAP assays, confirmed that most NADES extracts exhibited significant radical-scavenging and ferric-reducing capacities, generally correlating with phenolic content. The extraction yields obtained with specific NADES formulations were comparable or superior to those achieved with conventional solvents, demonstrating their efficiency. These results demonstrate that NADESs are effective and environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional solvents for extracting bioactive compounds from Nalca leaves. The physicochemical properties of NADESs enable the selective extraction of different metabolite classes, highlighting their potential for green extraction processes in food, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical applications. Full article

Natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) have emerged as promising green alternatives to conventional solvents for the extraction of bioactive compounds from plant materials. In this study, eight natural deep eutectic solvents were synthesized and evaluated for their efficiency in extracting betulin from birch bark. Extraction yield was assessed using high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection. Among the tested systems, N3 (choline chloride and urea in a 1:1 molar) and N4 (choline chloride and fructose in a 1:1 molar) were the most effective, yielding 101.26 ± 0.03 and 243.32 ± 0.26 mg betulin per gram of dry extract, respectively. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis confirmed the structural similarity of the N4 extract to pure betulin. In addition to increased extraction performance, the N4 extract demonstrated the greatest antioxidant activity (DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl): 63% and ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)): 97% inhibition) and total phenolic content (12.12 mg GAE/g extract), and betulin yield was strongly correlated with total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (FRAP (ferric ion reducing antioxidant power), DPPH, and ABTS), indicating the preservation of bioactivity. These findings underscore the potential of NADESs as sustainable solvents for the extraction of bioactive compounds from birch bark, supporting greener extraction technologies for biomass valorization and natural product processing. Full article

Industrial processing of apple to obtain products like juice or cider generates a significant amount of pomace, which represents 25–30% of the fresh fruit mass. Different technologies are needed to valorize apple pomace (AP), considering its significant amount of high-value compounds, such as fiber, vitamins, and polyphenols. Hot-air convection (CA) and infrared (IR) drying are widely used methods for preserving polyphenols from by-products, such as apple pomace (AP), while also extending their shelf life. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of CA and IR drying on drying kinetics, color parameters, and the preservation of polyphenolic compounds, as well as to identify a sustainable extraction approach. Both drying methods significantly affected the color characteristics and content of polyphenols with high antioxidant activity. A significant impact was noticed at higher temperatures, which may be associated with the partial inactivation of browning enzymes. IR drying resulted in a shorter drying time and lower specific energy consumption compared to CA. Furthermore, the assessment of solvent efficiency in ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) indicated that the natural deep eutectic solvent (NaDES) composed of choline chloride and glycerol (1:1 molar ratio) provided superior recovery of phenolic compounds with high antioxidant activity compared to conventional solvents and the other NaDES analyzed. Optimization of UAE conditions using this polyol-based NaDES allowed for achieving an extract characterized by a polyphenolic profile dominated by flavan-3-ols (catechin and epigallocatechin), followed by phenolic acids, mainly chlorogenic acid. These results confirm the potential of AP as a valuable source of bioactive compounds and of polyol-based NaDESs as a sustainable and efficient alternative for their recovery. Full article

Persimmon polyphenols (PP) are natural polyphenols with high reactivity and strong deodorization potential; however, their practical application in odor control is limited by their poor solubility. In this study, natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) were employed for the green extraction of PP, and the capabilities of extracts on the removal of ammonia (NH₃) and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) were investigated. In addition, the underlying mechanisms were explored by integrating spectroscopic analysis, molecular dynamics simulations, and quantum chemical calculations. The results showed that chloride-citric acid (CC-CA) was the optimal system in both PP extraction and sustained NH₃ removal, while the betaine-urea (B-U) system was more effective for H₂S removal. NH₃ removal was governed by acid-base neutralization, with the resulting ammonium species being further stabilized within the PP-regulated NADES hydrogen-bond network. In contrast, H₂S interacted with the solvent network not only through acid-base neutralization but also via Van der Waals forces and hydrophobic contacts. Our data supported that NADESs enhanced the deodorization performance of PP through cooperative microenvironment regulation rather than irreversible chemical conversion. This work highlighted that NADESs could not only function as highly efficient extraction media for polyphenols, but also active platforms for enhancing selective gas-capture capability for polyphenols. Furthermore, it provided a new strategy for the rational design of green, persimmon-derived deodorants. Full article

Extractions with natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) as tunable, biocompatible and green solvents are a new widely applicable platform in cascading fractionation of highly complex biological materials. Roles of NADESs can be multiple, from extraction of phenolics and polysaccharides to stabilization or even support of biocatalysts and extracted compounds in further bioprocessing. Their utilization offers alternative valorization routes in comparison to conventional extractions, decreasing the GHG emissions of underexploited wasted biomass and fossil-based solvents. This study examined the potential of different NADESs as solvents in fractionation of three distinctive biological materials—corn stalks, common nettle, and mycelium of the higher fungus Fomes fomentarius. NADESs were used for delignification and extraction processes, and selected extracts were tested as substrates for lactic acid bacteria (LAB) with an aim to enhance them through microbial biotransformation. For this purpose, D-glucose–glycerol (1:3), betaine–1,3 propanediol (1:4), and betaine–glycerol (1:2) NADESs were selected. According to the results, betaine–glycerol NADES was the most promising solvent for achieving the highest delignification rate and the highest yields of extracted polyphenols and polysaccharides. Moreover, the obtained extracts showed the ability to serve as growth media for LAB, emphasizing the possibility of establishing novel LAB-fortified products, aligning with circular and zero-waste biorefinery principles. Full article